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Friday, May 3, 2019

The Isuzu D-Max XTR Proves the Europeans Get the Good Stuff

Man, the streets in Europe must be something else since they actually love pickups that can go off-road over there. After showing off the Ranger Raptor rivaling D-Max AT35 Safir, Isuzu is now unveiling the D-Max XTR which the Japanese carmaker calls the “most sophisticated and authentically capable version.”
Developed with off-road enthusiasts in mind (see, they get all the good stuff), the D-Max XTR gets a massively high 250-mm ground clearance. Aside from the ground clearance, it has newly designed dampers for longer suspension articulation while a special Peddlers suspension secures its handling and improves its ride.

Hand-in-hand with its newfound ride height, the D-Max XTR gets improved front brakes with vented and slotted rotors. The pad material itself has also been upgraded to Kevlar ceramics for better stopping power. Covering the brakes are 17-inch alloy wheels with a heavy-duty design that’s specifically engineered to handle off-roading and of course, clear the new brakes and suspension. Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain 265/70 R 17 tires are fitted standard, but buyers can opt for an off-road only tire option.

Completing the exterior changes is a special body kit that integrates a dramatic front bumper guard, hood protector, and headlight frames. It also gets wheel arch extensions with touches of neon green. All the chrome has also been swapped out for an all-black affair and this is seen on the door mirrors and door handles.

Inside, the D-Max XTR has leather seats with suede and “carbon fiber” inserts. The lower seat base and upper seat back have also been changed for additional back support. The steering wheel has also been swapped to a D-shaped one also trimmed in leather and suede. All throughout, there are green stitching that matches the neon green ones outside.

The D-Max XTR arrives in European dealerships later in the year with a price of £33,999 (~P 2.3 million).